Students at Minot Forest Elementary jumped all over heart disease and stroke on March 10 by participating in the school's annual Jump Rope For Heartevent

Thus far, the students have raised more than $6,000 for the American Heart Association while helping to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the organization's jump-roping event. Students have until March 30 to turn in their donations, so the total could jump even more!

Donations raised during Jump Rope For Heart help fund research to fight heart disease and stroke and support the American Heart Association’s public and professional education programs. Heart disease is the number one killer in America and stroke is number three.

“This year’s event was a huge success,” said Deanna Semple, Jump Rope For Heart coordinator and Minot Forest physical education teacher. “We’re very proud of all the jumpers and we all had a lot of fun.”

Retired physical education teacher John Clark began the event at Minot decades ago and continues to volunteer each year. To date, Minot Forest students have raised more than $100,000 for the American Heart Association.

Jump Rope For Heart is a program that promotes physical fitness and heart health through the fun activity of jumping rope. It is co-sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.